Learn how to make a simple DIY rosemary salve recipe with just a few ingredients! This DIY salve is easy to make and can be a lovely addition to your natural home for dry skin, sore muscles, and everyday comfort.

Rosemary is one of those herbs that feels both practical and special. It is easy to grow, smells amazing, and has been used for generations in herbal preparations!

One of my favorite things about this homemade rosemary salve recipe is that it is simple enough for beginners, but still feels like something really useful you will want to keep on hand 🙂

If you have been wanting to make more of your own herbal products at home, this is such an easy place to start!

Benefits of Rosemary Salve

Rosemary is one of those herbs that does a little bit of everything, which is why I keep coming back to it in my DIY recipes. When you turn it into a salve, it becomes really easy to use day to day!

Here are some of the ways people love using rosemary salve:

Simple way to start using herbs at home: If you’re new to herbalism, this is such an easy place to begin. You don’t need anything complicated other than rosemary leaves and oil, and it actually works!
Helps soothe dry skin: The rosemary-infused oil and beeswax work together to lock in moisture, which can be really helpful for rough areas like hands, elbows, and feet.
Supports tired, sore muscles: This is one of my favorite uses. After a long day, rubbing a little onto your shoulders or back just feels so good!
Gently calms irritated skin: Rosemary is often used in herbal salves for skin that feels a little off, whether that’s redness, dryness, or general irritation.
Has natural cleansing properties: Rosemary has been traditionally used for its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which is part of why it’s so popular in salves and creams.
May help improve the look of skin over time: It contains antioxidant properties that support overall skin health and can help your skin feel more balanced.
Fresh, uplifting scent: The smell alone is worth it. It’s clean and energizing, and I love using it when I need a little reset during the day!

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How to Make a Rosemary Salve

Here is how to make this homemade rosemary salve recipe! If following the recipe, it will make between 6 to 8 ounces.

Ingredients

Rosemary leaves
1 cup carrier oil (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.)
1 cup rosemary-infused oil
2 ½ tablespoons beeswax
20 drops of rosemary essential oil
Salve containers

Instructions

Make your infused oil by adding the rosemary leaves into the carrier oil into a glass jar. Let it simmer in a double boiler for a few hours on low heat. Then strain.
Add in the beeswax with the rosemary infused oil and heat in a double boiler on medium-low until fully melted. Alternatively, you can also microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until melted.
Then, add 20 drops of rosemary essential oil and mix thoroughly.

Pour the mixture into your 2 oz containers and let sit overnight or for a few hours until fully hard.
Once they are all hardened, you can put on your lids and enjoy!

Notes

Adding a little vitamin E oil can help extend shelf life.
You can use different carrier oils if you prefer. Coconut oil makes a firmer salve, but olive oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil can also work well. Any type of carrier oil will work 🙂
If you want a vegan recipe, use candelilla wax instead of beeswax!
For a softer salve, use less beeswax slightly. Since coconut oil is already firm at room temperature, this recipe will make a more solid balm than some other salves.
Stored properly, this salve should last at least 6 months, and often longer. Keep out of direct sunlight and in a dry place.

Rosemary Salve Uses

Here are some of the common rosemary salve uses:

Pain Relief: Rosemary salve may be applied to sore muscles or joints to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to be beneficial for such purposes. It is usually used in an herbal salve recipe for pain.
Headache Relief: Applying rosemary salve to the temples or forehead may provide relief from headaches or migraines. The soothing aroma of rosemary may also help relax tension and ease the discomfort.
Skin Irritations: Rosemary salve can be used to soothe minor skin irritations like insect bites, rashes, and itching. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties might aid in reducing redness and irritation. Use this rosemary oil for skin recipe to help your skin!
Respiratory Support: Some people use rosemary salve as a chest rub to help ease congestion and provide relief from coughs and colds. The inhalation of rosemary’s scent may also help clear the airways. It is used in my vapor rub for kids!
Wound Healing: Due to its potential antimicrobial properties, rosemary salve might be used as a natural option for minor wound care. It could help cleanse and protect the affected area.
Mental Clarity and Focus: Rosemary is believed to have cognitive-enhancing effects, and using the salve or inhaling its aroma may improve focus and mental clarity. Use it when you need to study or get some work done. That’s why I love using it!
Skin Moisturization: Rosemary salve can act as a natural moisturizer, helping to nourish and hydrate the skin. This can be especially beneficial for dry or cracked skin.

Before using rosemary salve or any herbal remedy, it’s crucial to do a patch test to check for allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.

Additionally, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications, consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal products like rosemary salve.

Rosemary Salve

Yield: 6 to 8 ounces

Learn how to make a simple rosemary salve recipe! This DIY salve is easy to make and so beneficial for your skin, body, and mind!

Materials

Rosemary leaves
1 cup carrier oil (sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, etc.)
1 cup rosemary-infused oil
2 ½ tablespoons beeswax
20 drops of rosemary essential oil
Salve containers

Instructions

Make your infused oil by adding the rosemary leaves into the carrier oil into a glass jar. Let it simmer in a double boiler for a few hours on low heat. Then strain.
Add in the beeswax with the rosemary infused oil and heat in a double boiler on medium-low until fully melted. Alternatively, you can also microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until melted.
Then, add 20 drops of rosemary essential oil and mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into your 2 oz containers and let sit overnight or for a few hours until fully hard.
Once they are all hardened, you can put on your lids and enjoy!

Notes

Adding a little vitamin E oil can help extend shelf life.
You can use different carrier oils if you prefer. Coconut oil makes a firmer salve, but olive oil, avocado oil, and jojoba oil can also work well. Any type of carrier oil will work 🙂
If you want a vegan recipe, use candelilla wax instead of beeswax!
For a softer salve, use less beeswax slightly. Since coconut oil is already firm at room temperature, this recipe will make a more solid balm than some other salves.
Stored properly, this salve should last at least 6 months, and often longer. Keep out of direct sunlight and in a dry place.

Final Thoughts

Rosemary salve is one of those homemade remedies that feels both simple and useful. It does not take a long list of ingredients, and once you make it, you will probably start thinking of all kinds of ways to use it. It’s such a versatile herb!

The good news is, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. You do not need to be an expert herbalist to make something helpful for your home 🙂

Let me know if you end up making it!